A day to appreciate military spouses

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, Military Spouse Appreciation Day was set for the Friday before Mother's Day each year to recognize the many contributions and sacrifices military spouses make in support of military members and the country. This year, the special day falls on May 10.

Military spouses now more than ever serve one less seat at the dinner table, fill both roles as a parent and are often asked to pack and move families from one assignment to another while loved ones are deployed or on a remote assignment.

In addition to the support they offer their own families, military spouses are continually making positive contributions to their communities, President Reagan said in his initial Military Spouse Appreciation Day proclamation.

"As volunteers, military spouses have provided exemplary service and leadership in educational, community, recreational, religious, social and cultural endeavors," he said. "And as parents and homemakers, they preserve the cornerstones of our nation's strength - the American family."

This month the Airman and Family Readiness Center has several classes for military spouses to ease PCS transitions, help cope with deployments, to participate in workshops aimed at educating military spouses about new benefits offered to them, as well as marriage seminars.

Matri-Money will be held on May 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will provide strategies to develop realistic financial goals and communicate them effectively to your partner in this free workshop. This class is presented by Hanscom's Military and Family Life Consultant.

Families new to Hanscom are invited to attend the A&FRC Family Welcome class May 21 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the A&FRC Loan Locker, Building 1216. Participants receive money saving tips and shopping information while learning about schools, recreation, local attractions, safety, security, employment and more in an informal setting. Children are invited to participate.

Learn how to navigate the local transportation system during a "T" Public Transportation and City Orientation class May 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Class participants will ride into Boston using the "T" for $5 for subway fares, children 11 and under are free with a paying adult. Bring your lunch or purchase downtown. This class is part of the official newcomer orientation and military servicemembers are not required to take leave to attend.

Hearts Apart Bowling will be held at the Hanscom Bowling Center on May 22 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for families of deployed, remote tour and extended TDY servicemembers.

A Building Resiliency class is offered May 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the A&FRC. Donald Gonsalves, Hanscom's Community Support coordinator and master resiliency trainer, will provide tips on becoming more resilient in the midst of change.

Finally, an Organizing Work and Life class May 30 from noon to 12:45 p.m. will provide tips on becoming more organized, such as finding time to organize, handling big projects, simple steps to keep ahead of clutter and more. This class includes lunch.

For more information on any of these classes or to register for one of the Airman and Family Readiness Center classes, call 781-377-4222 or visit their website at www.hanscom.af.mil/units/afrc.asp.